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A review by yvon
Earth to Alis by Lex Carlow
5.0
Earth to everyone who hasn't read this book yet, HELLO??
Applying for an ARC was the best decision I ever made, I'm so glad I found this book, it's like a mine of gold, and right from the beginning I'll say: I HIGHLY recommend it (check TWs first). Onto the details:
1. The writing and structure.
SO immersive, I never had an easier time visualizing scenes, characters, environment etc. in a book. It felt like a movie, and for a contemporary book, there's a lot going on, yet no part of it is rushed. Being 400 pages I was worried the story would drag. It did not. The ending of a chapter didn't make me feel like a "finally i can take a break now" and more of a "hell nah, I gotta keep reading". Despite the cliffhangery chapters, the ending was beautiful and satisfying. The story is split in 5 parts based on the locations the Europe trip is following, and maybe i havent read enough books but I found that very unique.
2. Characters
The book is written in first person POV, so we see the world through the MC's eyes: Alis, an 18 y.o queer and alternative boy, troubled by traumas and bad experiences, and struggling with his mental health. Outside of my bias bcz i relate a terrifyingly lot to him, I think he's written exceptionally well. He feels real.
Craig??? He's ADORABLE and I love him (the sunshine to my grumpy <3)
Noor, Drew and Dakota complete the gang, they're all amazing.
And Mrs. Lachlan is the parental figure we all need in our lives.
3. Misc.
This is a pretty heavy book for YA, but all the humor and the comfort of found family kept my sadness for the most part at bay. Whether you're in for the slow-burn queer romance, the trauma/mental illness rep, or the school trip adventure through Europe, "Earth to Alis" should not disappoint.
I know this book will be in my top 3 favorites for a really long time. Definitely keeping an eye on Lex Carlow's future works.
Merged review:
Earth to everyone who hasn't read this book yet, HELLO??
Applying for an ARC was the best decision I ever made, I'm so glad I found this book, it's like a mine of gold, and right from the beginning I'll say: I HIGHLY recommend it (check TWs first). Onto the details:
1. The writing and structure.
SO immersive, I never had an easier time visualizing scenes, characters, environment etc. in a book. It felt like a movie, and for a contemporary book, there's a lot going on, yet no part of it is rushed. Being 400 pages I was worried the story would drag. It did not. The ending of a chapter didn't make me feel like a "finally i can take a break now" and more of a "hell nah, I gotta keep reading". Despite the cliffhangery chapters, the ending was beautiful and satisfying. The story is split in 5 parts based on the locations the Europe trip is following, and maybe i havent read enough books but I found that very unique.
2. Characters
The book is written in first person POV, so we see the world through the MC's eyes: Alis, an 18 y.o queer and alternative boy, troubled by traumas and bad experiences, and struggling with his mental health. Outside of my bias bcz i relate a terrifyingly lot to him, I think he's written exceptionally well. He feels real.
Craig??? He's ADORABLE and I love him (the sunshine to my grumpy <3)
Noor, Drew and Dakota complete the gang, they're all amazing.
And Mrs. Lachlan is the parental figure we all need in our lives.
3. Misc.
This is a pretty heavy book for YA, but all the humor and the comfort of found family kept my sadness for the most part at bay. Whether you're in for the slow-burn queer romance, the trauma/mental illness rep, or the school trip adventure through Europe, "Earth to Alis" should not disappoint.
I know this book will be in my top 3 favorites for a really long time. Definitely keeping an eye on Lex Carlow's future works.
Applying for an ARC was the best decision I ever made, I'm so glad I found this book, it's like a mine of gold, and right from the beginning I'll say: I HIGHLY recommend it (check TWs first). Onto the details:
1. The writing and structure.
SO immersive, I never had an easier time visualizing scenes, characters, environment etc. in a book. It felt like a movie, and for a contemporary book, there's a lot going on, yet no part of it is rushed. Being 400 pages I was worried the story would drag. It did not. The ending of a chapter didn't make me feel like a "finally i can take a break now" and more of a "hell nah, I gotta keep reading". Despite the cliffhangery chapters, the ending was beautiful and satisfying. The story is split in 5 parts based on the locations the Europe trip is following, and maybe i havent read enough books but I found that very unique.
2. Characters
The book is written in first person POV, so we see the world through the MC's eyes: Alis, an 18 y.o queer and alternative boy, troubled by traumas and bad experiences, and struggling with his mental health. Outside of my bias bcz i relate a terrifyingly lot to him, I think he's written exceptionally well. He feels real.
Craig??? He's ADORABLE and I love him (the sunshine to my grumpy <3)
Noor, Drew and Dakota complete the gang, they're all amazing.
And Mrs. Lachlan is the parental figure we all need in our lives.
3. Misc.
This is a pretty heavy book for YA, but all the humor and the comfort of found family kept my sadness for the most part at bay. Whether you're in for the slow-burn queer romance, the trauma/mental illness rep, or the school trip adventure through Europe, "Earth to Alis" should not disappoint.
I know this book will be in my top 3 favorites for a really long time. Definitely keeping an eye on Lex Carlow's future works.
Merged review:
Earth to everyone who hasn't read this book yet, HELLO??
Applying for an ARC was the best decision I ever made, I'm so glad I found this book, it's like a mine of gold, and right from the beginning I'll say: I HIGHLY recommend it (check TWs first). Onto the details:
1. The writing and structure.
SO immersive, I never had an easier time visualizing scenes, characters, environment etc. in a book. It felt like a movie, and for a contemporary book, there's a lot going on, yet no part of it is rushed. Being 400 pages I was worried the story would drag. It did not. The ending of a chapter didn't make me feel like a "finally i can take a break now" and more of a "hell nah, I gotta keep reading". Despite the cliffhangery chapters, the ending was beautiful and satisfying. The story is split in 5 parts based on the locations the Europe trip is following, and maybe i havent read enough books but I found that very unique.
2. Characters
The book is written in first person POV, so we see the world through the MC's eyes: Alis, an 18 y.o queer and alternative boy, troubled by traumas and bad experiences, and struggling with his mental health. Outside of my bias bcz i relate a terrifyingly lot to him, I think he's written exceptionally well. He feels real.
Craig??? He's ADORABLE and I love him (the sunshine to my grumpy <3)
Noor, Drew and Dakota complete the gang, they're all amazing.
And Mrs. Lachlan is the parental figure we all need in our lives.
3. Misc.
This is a pretty heavy book for YA, but all the humor and the comfort of found family kept my sadness for the most part at bay. Whether you're in for the slow-burn queer romance, the trauma/mental illness rep, or the school trip adventure through Europe, "Earth to Alis" should not disappoint.
I know this book will be in my top 3 favorites for a really long time. Definitely keeping an eye on Lex Carlow's future works.